Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Craving a burst of sunshine in every bite? These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the answer! Imagine sinking your teeth into a delicate, citrusy cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a delightful addition to any gathering, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour. Get ready to brighten your day with this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a little slice of happiness! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Effortless to make, even for beginner bakers.
• The vibrant lemon flavor is incredibly refreshing.
• Soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Brings a touch of sunshine to any day.
• Less cleanup compared to more complicated recipes.
• The aroma of lemon fills your kitchen with joy!

Ingredients Needed

Let’s gather the ingredients for these delightful Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will truly make a difference in the final product.

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g). Ensure it’s soft, not melted, for the right texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g). Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs. Provides structure and richness to the cookies.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (60ml). Use freshly squeezed for the best flavor!
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest. Adds a concentrated burst of lemon flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g). Provides the base structure for the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder. Helps the cookies rise and become light.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Reacts with the lemon juice to create a soft texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt. Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g). Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (30-45ml). Adjust to reach your desired glaze consistency.

For the best lemon flavor, use organic lemons if possible. Their zest and juice tend to be more fragrant. Make sure you use quality all-purpose flour for the best results.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking sheets: Essential for baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Large bowl: For mixing the cookie dough.
• Small bowl: For preparing the lemon glaze.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and easy, but you can use a whisk if you want!
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.

A good quality lemon zester can also be a huge help to get that lemon zest.

Recipe Details

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• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
• Total Time: 24-26 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. Perfect for batch baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Lemon

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a powerful burst of flavor, so don’t skip it! Make sure to zest the lemon *before* juicing it.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in a consistent bake.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.

Step 6: Drop and Bake

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them – they can burn quickly!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

CHECK OUT: Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars – For an extra tangy treat, try these bars! They are perfect for parties.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tricks to ensure your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing leads to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use softened, not melted, butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest are key: They provide the best flavor.
• Chill the dough (optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Bake until edges are lightly golden: Avoid overbaking for a chewy texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations for your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies:

• Add poppy seeds: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Lemon-Lime: Substitute half of the lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies.
• Add White Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

• Serve with a cold glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea.
• Pair them with fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.
• Add them to a dessert platter for a special occasion.
• Enjoy them as a sweet treat after a light lunch.

Health Benefits

While these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional value! Lemon is a great source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function. The cookies also provide carbohydrates for energy.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh and delicious:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes to soften them slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking and store the cookies in an airtight container.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is always best, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and chill it for up to 24 hours.

What if my glaze is too thick?

Add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I add other citrus zest?

Absolutely! Orange or lime zest would be delicious additions.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 1g

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Even More Delightful Treats to Explore

Craving more deliciousness? Try these other amazing recipes:

• S’more Bars – For a campfire-inspired delight.
• Strawberry Crunch Cookies – A sweet and crunchy treat!
• Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake – Enjoy the tangy lemon combined with blueberries in a comforting cake.

Conclusion

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect combination of bright citrus flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re easy to make, delightful to share, and guaranteed to brighten your day. Whip up a batch today—tag us with your delicious creations!

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“Cuisine”: “American”, “Diet”: “Vegetarian” }, “Keywords”: “lemon cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, lemon dessert, baking recipe, cookies recipe”, “Nutrition”: { “Serving Size”: “1 cookie”, “Calories”: “150 kcal”, “Sugar”: “12 g”, “Sodium”: “75 mg”, “Fat”: “7 g”, “Saturated Fat”: “4 g”, “Unsaturated Fat”: “0 g”, “Trans Fat”: “0 g”, “Carbohydrates”: “20 g”, “Fiber”: “0 g”, “Protein”: “1 g”, “Cholesterol”: “30 mg” } } Print